Miguel Cardoso, the head coach of Mamelodi Sundowns, expressed both relief and satisfaction following his side’s hard-fought victory over AS Maniema Union in their CAF Champions League encounter. While the match was far from easy, Cardoso was pleased with the overall performance of his team, particularly their ability to adapt and secure the win in such a challenging environment.
In his post-match comments, Cardoso reflected on the first half and the way the game had unfolded, acknowledging that the scoreline at halftime did not fully represent his team’s dominance on the pitch. “I think we were highly penalized by the score at half-time,” Cardoso told the media, hinting that his team’s performance deserved better than what the scoreboard showed at the break. Despite the halftime deficit, he was confident in his team’s ability to turn things around, knowing that they had shown the necessary determination and quality to get the job done.
Cardoso further highlighted the difficulties of playing in such a hostile atmosphere, with the high-altitude conditions and passionate home crowd adding to the challenge. He was full of praise for AS Maniema Union, acknowledging that their home form was something to be respected. “It’s difficult to play here, and the results Maniema achieves at home show just how strong they are on their turf,” he said. “They don’t concede many goals here, which shows they have a solid defensive structure and know how to defend their home ground.”
Despite being faced with such a challenge, Cardoso was quick to credit his own team for their resilience and tactical approach. He pointed out that although Sundowns had possession throughout the game, they faced a difficult task in breaking down Maniema Union’s direct style of football. “Maniema is a team that you can have possession against, but they always find a way out of the press with their direct style of play. They are very efficient at countering and creating chances despite being under pressure,” Cardoso explained.
However, the Sundowns coach firmly believed that his team had earned the victory with their performance. “We were clearly the better team on the pitch, and I think the scoreline at the end of the match reflected the hard work our boys put in throughout the full 90 minutes,” he stated. “We were patient, we kept pushing, and even when we faced adversity, we stayed focused on our task. The players executed our plan well, and in the end, it paid off.”
Cardoso’s comments reflect the depth of his belief in his team’s ability to perform under pressure. The victory over AS Maniema Union was not just a testament to Sundowns’ quality, but also their resilience and determination in tough conditions. After a strong start to their CAF Champions League campaign, Sundowns are looking to continue their progress in the tournament, and Cardoso’s tactical acumen and the players’ hard work are key factors in their success so far.
In the aftermath of a tough match like this, Cardoso’s focus on his team’s collective effort and the recognition of the challenges posed by their opponents speaks to his understanding of the broader picture. While the victory was important, he clearly knows that the team must continue to evolve and adapt if they are to progress further in the competition. With the CAF Champions League group stage heating up, Sundowns’ resolve and determination will be tested even more in the matches ahead.
